Mapping of Forest Administrative Boundary of Mizoram

The project “Mapping of Forest Administrative Boundary of Mizoram using Remote Sensing and GIS” was undertaken by the Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) as an in-house initiative under the Centre’s Annual Plan for 2007–08. The study responded to the need for a standardized and spatially accurate representation of forest administrative jurisdictions in Mizoram, where extensive forest resources, rugged terrain and multiple management authorities make conventional boundary compilation difficult. Its principal objective was to prepare digital forest administrative boundary maps extending from Circle and Division levels down to Forest Ranges, thereby creating a dependable geospatial reference for forest conservation, administration and development planning.

The project covered the entire 21,087 sq. km geographical area of Mizoram. Its database incorporated IRS-1D LISS-III satellite imagery, acquired in January 2006, Survey of India topographical sheets at 1:50,000 scale, Forest Department records, field observations and locally obtained information for inaccessible areas. The imagery was geometrically registered and interpreted using ERDAS Imagine, while boundary digitization, integration and analysis were carried out using ARC/INFO GIS. Hand-held GPS instruments supported field verification of selected Forest Division and Range boundaries. The workflow involved pre-field interpretation, ground verification and post-field correction, followed by cross-checking against departmental and ancillary records.

A significant finding of the study was that several inconsistencies and anomalies existed in the available administrative records and maps. These were identified, reconciled and corrected through the integration of satellite imagery, GIS analysis, field evidence and institutional inputs. The completed database represented three Territorial Circles comprising 10 Territorial Forest Divisions and 60 Ranges. It also mapped the Wildlife Circle, consisting of the Wildlife Division, Dampa Tiger Reserve and Lawngtlai Wildlife Division, together comprising 10 wildlife ranges or management units. Forest jurisdictions administered by the Lai, Mara and Chakma Autonomous District Councils were separately documented through three Forest Divisions and 13 Ranges. In total, the project spatially organized 16 territorial, wildlife and Autonomous District Council forest divisions and approximately 83 constituent ranges or management units.

The principal outputs include detailed administrative maps for individual Forest Divisions, Wildlife Divisions, protected areas, Dampa Tiger Reserve and Autonomous District Council forest jurisdictions, supported by spatial and non-spatial attributes. A consolidated forest administrative boundary map for the whole State was also prepared at 1:250,000 scale.

The project established an important digital baseline for the Environment and Forest Department. Its maps and GIS database support working-plan preparation, jurisdictional clarification, forest monitoring, protected-area management, field administration, infrastructure planning and inter-departmental coordination. The data can also be integrated with forest cover, biodiversity, land use, watersheds, roads and settlements, making the report a valuable reference for forest managers, planners, researchers and decision-makers engaged in the sustainable management of Mizoram’s forest resources.Summarized Metadata

Mapping Scale: 1:50,000 

Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D LISS III (2006)

Thematic sub-category: Forestry, Administrative boundary

Collaborating/Funding Agency: Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre

Report Publication Month/Year: March, 2008